BMW M5 concept car

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What Car? Staff

17 April 2011

A concept car version of the next BMW M5 has been revealed today at the Shanghai motor show.

Although final performance details are yet to be announced, the 'high-revving' turbocharged V8 is expected to rise above the previous version's 500bhp, but offer improved economy and lower emissions at the same time.

The engine will be mated to seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard and will also have an engine stop start system. Expect the M5 to blast from 0-62mph in around 4.5 seconds and continue on to a limited top speed of 155mph.

Wider wheelarches, larger air intakes, diffusers, aprons and a small rear spoiler set the car apart from the rest of the range.

On sale in the UK from this November, the new M5 is likely to cost from around 75,000.

Although near-finished concept versions of the 6 Series Coupe have been shown before along with photographs of the final version the Shanghai show is the first chance to see the car in the metal.

It is set to arrive this summer, and will have a starting pricetag of around 58,000. The coupe will be available with a 316bhp 3.0-litre petrol engine in the 640i and a 401bhp 4.4-litre petrol V8 in 650i form.